Judges at oratory competition include Shelley Elder

Shelley Elder served as a judge at the 80th annual High School U.S. Constitution Oratorical Scholarship Program competition at the American Legion post in Acworth Saturday, Feb. 11. The program seeks to instill deeper knowledge of the Constitution and to develop leadership qualities in its competitors and winners receive cash awards. “This event was truly outstanding, the teens were knowledgeable about the Constitution and argued their points well,” said Ms. Elder.

The winners at the Acworth post competition were:

1. Kaylee Dodson, 10th Grade, Home School, Fayetteville, Ga.

2. Meredith Johns, 11th Grade, Kennesaw Mountain High School, Kennesaw, Ga.

3. Brannon Anthony, 12th Grade, Dunwoody High School, Dunwoody, Ga.

4. Joshua Gordon, 11th Grade, Arabia Mountain High School, Lithonia, Ga. (through the DeKalb Youth Leadership Academy)

Students delivered two speeches, a prepared oration focusing on one of the seven articles of the Constitution or any of its 27 amendments and a 3- to 5-minute oration on one of four assigned topics, which can be made up of any parts of the Constitution. The program has been active nationally since 1938. At the national competition level, the winner is awarded an $18,000 college scholarship. The second-place winner receives $16,000 and the third, $14,000.